Dave's Rent A Husband Handyman Service

unknown

While Dave is one of the hardest workers I have encountered I was unprepared for the costs of the above projects.  We had some serious mis-communication in between the estimate (one day -8 hrs- @ $60 an hour = $480 to do all the above work).  This amount was quoted for TWO people and Dave said "we work really fast and can do this in one day).  I was thrilled.  I thought with materials I would be well under $1000 which is the amount I was willing to spend on these projects.

Dave's helper did not show up and he worked alone and did not get all of the projects done in one day as planned.  I did not think this was a problem because I would expect it to take one person two days.  I did mention this to him the second day and he said he only paid his helper $8/hr so he would still charge me $52.00 an hour.  I thought this very unfair but I liked Dave and his work so I did not say anything more.  When he had to return a third day I assumed I was at least getting charged for "short days" but that was not the case.  My total bill was over $2100 (including $700+ for materials).  I was dumbfounded but paid my bill.

As for the work itself, all was done well with the exception of the screen door.  Dave originally said that he would get a price on a new door and then see if it was cheaper to replace or repair the door I had.  The door I had was simply out of square but was otherwise in good condition and had a grill on the bottom half that I really liked.  It looked like a quality door.  Dave forgot to discuss a new door with me so I did not know the cost or anything.  He simply brought it an installed.  The door looks very cheap (but was not); did not have a grill; did not fit and he had to cut it down.  When I was very, very dissatisfied with this door that STILL showed gaps where insects could get in, Dave quickly offered to take it down and "eat" the cost.  To his credit, he was adamant that I be satisfied.  My desire to not be wasteful, made me say "no" to this and I said I would live with it.  He made a couple of suggestions of things I could do to improve it and offered to do them himself but I was afraid of the costs at that point and said no. 

A few days later, I called Dave back and ask he he would consider coming back and fixing that door at no charge.  He said yes and we scheduled a day.  He did everything he could to make it right (even added the grill I wanted from the old door).  However, it is still out of square.  Dave said before he left if the door warped or was not right to let him know and he would return it to the store implying that the problem may be the door itself.  I have considered this but likely will not take him up on it because I do not want to pay him any more for this job and I do not think he should do this for free.

Dave and I parted on good terms and he agreed that he needs to be more specific on charges when they go way beyond original quotes.  He does quality work and has good ideas on how to make things right. I expect to use him again but will be more vigilant of keeping the work within the estimate. I hope this is helpful to Dave and his future customers.

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unknown

unknown

Dave responded promptly to my contact and arrived on time with his son to take a look at what I needed to have done -- some painting, repair leaking toilet, install ceiling light, install deadbolt, etc. They were pleasant and professional during the visit, but never got back with me to provide their estimate, so I chose someone else to do the work. Based on this, I gave a D rating, but clearly I can't comment on the quality of their work.

NOTHING HAPPENED BECAUSE HE WAS RUDE, BLEW OFF OUR CALL, AND THEN NEVER RETURNED OUR CALL.

He has done consistently solid work. He knows how to work on a project. He is going to explore a wide range of possibilities, which takes some time. Since he takes time, he is not a guy you call and ask if he come Tuesday. He is worth it. He is very professional, respectful and easy to deal with.